A big SHOUT OUT goes to the guys at ECB Bullbars and Vehicle Recovery Systems (VRS) for supporting the expedition.

We really appreciate the support from these guys and look forward to winching out plenty of Defenders! (Kidding! We actually have no opinion on the Toyota vs. Defender thing… other than if you are on 4-wheels and out in nature that’s a great thing!).

Keep an eye out on our Expedition Vehicle page – we’ll get better photos and details up there shortly.

PACKING UP OUR LIVES

The big move happens THIS Sunday.

Well, it actually happens all week long with the grand finale being Sunday when the house has to be spick and span.

We are getting rid of all our worldly possessions. Well, most of them. And learning to walk a little lighter.

A fraction of the STUFF we have given away this week is pictured above. It feels so good to get rid of STUFF that has quietly accumulated. Moving out of the house is a huge milestone towards getting on the road.

Come Monday morning we will be two of the happiest sods in Australia.

SECOND HOMES

Gareth’s second home has become the Expedition Centre in southern Sydney. The centre was started by an incredible guy, Daniel Fluckiger, who overlanded for 3 years in his Defender travelling Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

A year ago when we first got the 4X4 we struggled (a lot!) to find the right person to help us realise our dream. We wanted to work with someone who loved overlanding as much as we did. Someone who was… Passionate. Detail obsessed. Knowledgeable. Willing to share their know-how. When we walked into the Expedition Centre and met Daniel we knew he was our man. We now couldn’t imagine preparing for this expedition without his help.

So, please, everyone raise your glass (or tea cups!) to good fortunate in meeting the right people at the right time.

++ Testament to the time we are spending with each other our expedition is now proudly published on Daniel’s new posters. He did our roof top conversion for us. A couple of these posters can now be viewed at our mum’s house where they take pride of place on the fridge

It may seem like a small gesture to some and sure there is benefit in Daniel promoting his business too. But we were just so excited with the posters. To have something in print. Something someone else created that said you guys are really doing this.

WONDER PACKED WORDS

You may notice in the side panel of the blog we now have a ‘YOUR WORDS’ section.

*Look to the right>>*

Your words have blown us away with support and spirit. Rather than let these precious words slip by the wayside we wanted to keep them pride of place. So there they are to the right in their own little hall of fame.

POSTCARD: SEE-YOU-SOONS

In this final stretch before hitting the road we are doing our best to get around and say see-you-soon (not goodbye) to loved ones. This weekend we stumbled home at 3am after a solid session with friends. It all started here, in my favourite bar in Sydney Baxter Inn.

SO, there you have it.

East Coast Bullbar + Vehicle Recovery Systems winch + Working butts off at the Expedition Centre + Saying See-You-Soons + Bossy heading to his foster parents house soon (cue: unstoppable flow of tears) + Living in a disaster zone + Moving this weekend + Making cushion for our interior bench seat + Custom rear arm carrier soon arriving + Constantly writing down extra things on the TO DO list + Planning stickers for our vehicle (SO excited to share this with you next week!!)

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3 Comments

Its such a huge adventure and really, I had never thought much about the prep work to do something like this (when I have heard/seen others do it). But now reading your blog, I am like “OMG”. Lucky you have got great support and advice to help make it easier.

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"Well, you got to us. After inspiring us to get out, buy the car and travel around Queensland last year, now we are looking into Cape Town to London. Have started pre-planning (by which I mean sitting here scratching our heads and wondering where the hell we start. Thanks for the blogs, and the inspiration" TAF + SUSAN, AUSTRALIA

"Inspired much? Well, let me just tell you that I’m sitting at my office desk having just caught up with the wrap ups….And I’m ready to chuck it all in, jump in the 4WD and go" NICOLE, AUSTRALIA

"One of the best things that has happen to my family and myself was meeting you both. We love hearing and seeing where you go and how you are just keep doing what you are doing guys" MIKE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

"This is totally and absolutely awesome! I am really excited and I’m not the one even doing it. Keep the updates coming guys" HELEN, DUSTY SOLES AUSTRALIA

"Your pre-trip blog is one of the best, so can't wait to read about your adventures" MARTIN, AFRICA OVERLAND NETWORK, AUSTRALIA

"Don't know you guys from a bar of soap, but just needed to say you BOTH impress the hell out of me! Very inspiring what you're doing! Love the photos, love all the little (& big) alterations, additions, customizations etc ... Keep them coming. Go well, the both of you!" ANDREW, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

"I’m so glad we met you two in Nepal and get to hear all about this journey.Will be following your blog and really look forward to soaking up the inspiration from your adventure. The vehicle looks like it will make a comfy cozy home. Good luck" DEANNA, CANADA

"Sounds like an awesome trek, stay safe and have a great time. Your blog is an inspiration for us all to get on and plan the next big adventure" DARREN, AWESOMEDUDE.COM

"When you get to Cape Town I want a coffee off that stove please…." + "South Africa is waiting for you and it’s in no rush….ever" CRAIG, SOUTH AFRICA

"Looking forward to following your travels. We’ve been up Africa as far as Tanzania but plan to do the whole route….one day. Keen to check out your Australian trip side too. Bon voyage" MAXINE, SOUTH AFRICA

"Love, love your kitchen! So supercool" + "Nicely written. Love the idea of pinning the master TO DO list to the wall. We have like ten different lists on the computer, which makes me frantically going from one to the other making sure we do not forget anything" ERICA, ON THE ROAD

"I feel like I discovered your blog just in time! I’ll definitely be following along on this adventure of yours. The Aussie section of the trip is something my husband and I are desperate to do. I’m really looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing your stories!" FIONA, LIFE IN BRIEF, AUSTRALIA

"Looking good guys. Things are falling into place" ADAM, AUSTRALIA

"Good luck! Really love your go-gettin’ attitude! Be good to see you on the road..." DIANA, UK

"I am following your preparations with big interest. We are from South Africa an plan to do the trip north after retirement in a few years time. When you get close to Cape Town make contact with us" PIETER + MARGRIET

"Looks incredible! Enjoy your adventures!! xxx" HAYLEY, AUSTRALIA

"Going to enjoy following your trip. One day we plan to do likewise from Ireland. Safe travels" KIWI 4X4, NEW ZEALAND

"Have just come across your page and can't wait to hear more about your adventures! Happy Travels" TRIPTIDE AUSTRALIA

"Having lived in Kenya for 16 years I long to head back and do a massive African road trip. You guys are living the dream - good for you! Look forward to following you on your travels!!" SIMON, TRAVELLER-AT-LARGE

"I wish I could do a similar trip. You guys are living the dream. No matter how exhausted you may get just keep on going. Never give cause for regrets. All the best" JOHNATHAN, AUSTRALIA

"The world is yours. Go get it!" KEN, AUSTRALIA

"Drive Safely. Explore Wildly" SAUERMAN, SYDNEY

"What you’re doing is really living. You’re about to have the time of your life." KATE, BRISBANE

"Reading your blog reminds me just how lucky we are to live in this great country, everyone should get out their and see it.
We look forward to reading more about your travels. Hope you have a great trip." MATTHEW, DIONNE, ETHAN + JADE